These examples show how Antimetabole functions in biblical language, rhetoric, poetry, prophecy, narrative, or theological imagery.
finds his life ... loses it
The saying reverses finding and losing to redefine life around loyalty to Christ.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
save his life ... lose it
The repeated reversal makes discipleship’s paradox memorable and severe.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath
The reversed order clarifies the purpose of the Sabbath against legalistic misuse.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
save his life ... lose it
The reversal presses the cost and promise of following Jesus.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
save his life ... lose it
Luke preserves the same reversed discipleship logic.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
preserve his life ... lose it
The reversal warns against clinging to life in the day of divine visitation.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
exalts himself ... humbled; humbles himself ... exalted
The paired reversal expresses divine opposition to pride and vindication of humility.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
become a fool that he may become wise
The statement reverses worldly wisdom and true wisdom in Christ.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
your abundance ... their need ... their abundance ... your need
The reciprocal arrangement supports Paul’s appeal for generous equality.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
when I am weak, then I am strong
The reversal expresses the paradoxical power of Christ in weakness.
Source: Draft-normalized biblical example — Wave 13 advanced rhetorical and word-pattern forms
Review status: draft-normalized | Verify against original-language wording and final site Bible text stream before publication.
